London's busiest bus services are to be improved under a multi-million pound scheme.

Mayor of London Ken Livingstone has unveiled improvements to 43 routes across the capital under a programme called "busPlus".

The �110m plan will provide more bus lanes, better sited bus shelters and the use of new technology to change traffic lights for buses to speed their travel.

Mr Livingstone said: "It is clear from the plans for partial privatisation of the Tube that real improvements to the Underground are, for the foreseeable future, unlikely.

Reliable transport

"So I am pushing ahead with making a real difference to London's bus services, with more bus lanes, shelters, journey information and improved technology."

The scheme is designed to meet demands for high quality and reliable public transport when the proposed congestion charge is introduced in 2003.

It also plays a key part in the mayor's transport strategy, which pledges a 40% increase in bus capacity over the next decade.

Priority programme

Priority is being given to ensure that key elements of the busPlus programme are completed by the end of 2002.

All the organisations responsible for providing bus services in London are involved.

They include Transport for London, the Metropolitan and City of London police forces, the London boroughs, bus companies and the London Bus Priority Network.